Detection of serum telomerase and fibronectin as precursor markers of cervix cancer in patients with a positive Pap test

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the alterations found in cervical cells, caused by persistent HPV infection, using inflammatory protein biomarkers as fibronectin and telomerase. Material and method: One hundred and sixty nine asymptomatic and symptomatic women with ages between 30 and 64 were included in the study. Those women underwent routine gynecological consultation or they were referred to a gynecologist because of their symptoms. After selecting the patients, Pap test and blood samples (5 ml) were taken. Using a questionnaire, details regarding sexual characteristics and behaviors, as well as personal medical history were collected. Results: The median value for telomerase was 0.1 ng/ml, with a minimum of 0.01 ng/ml and a maximum of 30.09 ng/ml. Based on telomerase results, 66 (39.1%) patients had positive results (more than 0.215 units) and 103 (60.9%) had a negative result. The median value for fibronectin was 3.72 ng/ml with a minimum of 0.55 ng/ml and a maximum of 89.9 ng/ml. From all women included in the study 36 (21.3%) had positive results (more than 10 ng/ml) and 133 (78.7%) had a negative result. 15.2% of patients with positive telomerase and 16.7% with positive fibronectin presented Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance. Mature squamous metaplasia and inflammatory cells have been identified among positive and negative results of fibronectin and telomerase. Conclusions: The main objective of every screening program is to reduce mortality and morbidity caused by cervical cancer.